Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko Penguin are two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Honey Bean is a linear switch known for its light and silent operation, making it ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin is a tactile switch that offers a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback with each press, while still maintaining a quiet profile. The Penguin's medium weight strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, perfect for extended typing sessions. While the Honey Bean is characterized as easy-to-press and feathery, the Penguin is described as polished and subtle. When choosing between these two switches, carefully consider their unique qualities and how they align with your typing preferences and environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko Penguin both offer unique sound profiles, with the Honey Bean using POM for both top and bottom housing while the Penguin utilizes nylon for both components. POM housings in the Honey Bean create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housings in the Penguin elicit a fuller and deeper sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying sound experience for users.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the materials used for the top and bottom housings. While the Honey Bean uses POM for both top and bottom, and the Penguin uses nylon for both components, the impact of these materials is divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distinction may lead to a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches, with nuances in sound and feel that cater to individual preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko Penguin will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities due to their housing materials, with the Honey Bean providing a pleasing and deep sound profile from its POM housings, while the Penguin delivers a fuller and rounder sound through its nylon housings. Whether one prefers a more muted sound with the Honey Bean or a deeper sound with the Penguin, both switches are sure to offer a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is lighter in terms of actuation force at 42 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Penguin is the heavier option at 60 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their force requirements. The lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Penguin is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Akko Penguin tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum in terms of travel distance, the Honey Bean offers a slightly deeper press than the Penguin. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Penguin may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Honey Bean may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you desire.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Honey Bean has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey Bean for $3.59.
The Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. The Akko Penguin tactile switch also provides a muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for office settings. Both switches offer a quiet typing experience, ensuring minimal disturbance to those around you. This means that whether you choose the Honey Bean or the Penguin, you can expect similar results in terms of sound without any significant differences.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is characterized as polished, mild, feathery, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with minimal strain on the fingers. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Honey Bean focusing on light actuation force and the Penguin offering a balanced approach to responsiveness and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer excellent options for users looking for a quiet and comfortable typing experience. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a light and linear action with a feathery feel, the Penguin stands out with its rounded tactile bump and balanced weight. Depending on your preferences, either switch can cater to your needs, ensuring a pleasant typing experience with minimal noise disturbance. Ultimately, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them both reliable choices for any typing environment.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal typing preferences. If you value a silent and light typing experience, ideal for office settings or shared spaces, the Honey Bean switch would be a great choice with its easy-to-press and feathery feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback with a medium actuation force, suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue, the Akko Penguin switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a muted sound profile, making them great options for noise-sensitive environments. Make your decision based on whether you prioritize a linear typing experience or a tactile one.
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